Thursday, February 28, 2008

the journey: old-school

We're approaching the midpoint of Lent. If you took on a practice at the start of this journey, you might be feeling dry, losing touch with your purpose. Maybe these words from George Herbert (old school English poet and priest) will rekindle the Lenten mojo for you, help you to imagine Jesus reaching out to take our hands and lead us into lives of compassion, generosity and simplicity (I, for one, am counting on it): Who goeth in the way which Christ hath gone,Is much more sure to meet with him, than oneThat travelleth by-ways:Perhaps my God, though he be far before,May turn and take me by the hand, and more:May strengthen my decays.

Rest assured, there are plenty of ways to journey together -- hand-in-hand with Jesus -- throughout the season of Lent @ The Crossing.

WHAT'S GOING ON @ THE CROSSING?EVERY THURSDAY / Spiritual practice (6pm) & worship (6:30pm): Come at 6pm as Andrea leads us in the month's spiritual practice: body prayer. Worship begins at 6:30, with Audrey O'Brien returning to share her reflections on the Lenten journey. Driving? We validate parking at the Boston Common Underground Garage -- $3 for the whole evening. Special guest singer this Thursday: our former music director, Christine Jugueta! She's moving to California this Saturday, so it's one more spirit song before she flies away. Come wish her well!

CREATING RADICALLY WELCOMING COMMUNITIES / Saturday, March 8 @ 9am-2pm: Our own Rev. Steph and Arrington Chambliss (awesome teacher, activist, priest in the area) lead this workshop at Episcopal Divinity School. Come explore the practice of "radical welcome" -- that is, embracing the gifts, presence and transforming power of cultural groups the church usually pushes to the margins. Cost: $75 each; $60 per person for three or more people registering together (includes lunch); scholarships available. To register, please contact Priscilla Burns at pburns@eds.edu or 617.682.1506. Episcopal Divinity School, 99 Brattle Street in Cambridge.

"SHARING JESUS, TALKING THE TALK" with MARCUS BORG / Saturday, March 15 @ 9am-1pm: Progressive biblical scholar Marcus Borg is the featured speaker at the Spring Learning Event sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts (of which we're part). If you'd like to attend, get registered at http://www.diomassevents.org/sharing_jesus. It's free! To be held at Boston University's Sherman Union on Comm Ave.

TUESDAYS IN LENT (2/12-3/11) @ 6-8pm / Foundations of the Faith: Feel free to join this 5-week Lent series! The Cathedral priests will lead off each week with a talk on one of the big topics in faith (God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, The Bible, Prayer). Participants will explore big questions in small groups. Reply to this email if you'd like to join.

SOCIAL JUSTICE & SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES: Want to receive word on ways to engage in AND pray for social action, service and healing? Then get on Edith's list! If you want to receive the news, email her at edith.bross@gmail.com. And if you'd like to add something to the list -- an event, a prayer, a proposal for action -- email her that, too! There's also an open door to join the two homeless ministries we're tied to: St. Francis House (daily: contact Lynn @ lynnmcam@aol.com) and Monday Lunch Program (every Monday: contact Hal @ halcott.carter@gmail.com).

PLUGGING INTO MINISTRY @ THE CROSSING: There's room for everybody's gifts in this community (it's part of what we mean by "radical welcome.") Connect with any of our leaders to have coffee, share a story, get linked: